Quick answer: There are a few ways to get the URL from a QR code. The easiest is to scan the code using your phone’s camera and QR code reader app. This will automatically open the URL. You can also use online QR code readers by uploading a picture of the code. Some QR code generator sites also have decode features to retrieve the URL.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone or tablet camera. QR codes store data such as website URLs, text, phone numbers, and SMS messages. When scanned, this data is extracted from the QR code so it can be interpreted and acted upon.
QR codes are square in shape and contain a unique pattern of black and white squares. This pattern contains encoded data that is deciphered when scanned. The amount of data a QR code can store depends on its size and level of error correction, but most standard QR codes can hold a few dozen to a few hundred characters.
QR codes are commonly placed in magazines, on packaging, advertisements, business cards, and other print materials. When scanned by a smartphone, they provide a quick way for users to access online content without having to type in a long URL or search for a website.
How are QR codes generated?
QR codes are generated by QR code generator programs or websites. The user enters the URL, text, or other data to be encoded. The generator will then convert this data into a QR code pattern using advanced encoding techniques.
Here are some typical steps for creating a QR code:
- Enter the URL, text, etc you want to convert into a QR code into the generator.
- Customize options like size, color, and error correction level.
- The generator encodes the data into a QR code pattern.
- Download the QR code image or embed it into your website/document.
After the QR code is generated, it can be printed or digitally shared. Most QR code generators will let you download image files like PNGs and JPGs so you can attach the QR code to print or digital media.
How do you scan a QR code?
Scanning a QR code requires a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device with a camera and QR reader app. Here are the basic steps:
- Open your camera app or a dedicated QR code reader app.
- Hold your device’s camera over the QR code so it’s clearly visible within the frame.
- The QR code will automatically scan. Most apps will show a notification when the scan is complete.
- The encoded data will typically open instantly. For a URL, your browser will launch and open the website.
The process is quick, taking just a few seconds in most cases. QR codes can be scanned from printed materials, digital displays, and any other medium on which the code is clearly visible.
Some tips for scanning QR codes successfully:
- Get close to the code and ensure it fits within the frame of your camera viewfinder.
- Avoid glare or shadows covering the code.
- Hold your device steady.
- For damaged or dirty codes, try adjusting the angle, light, or distance.
- Use a QR reader app for the most control and best scan performance.
How to get the URL from a QR code
Here are the main methods for retrieving the URL encoded within a QR code:
Scan the code with your smartphone camera
The most common way is to simply scan the QR code using your smartphone camera and QR reader app:
- Open your camera or QR app and scan the code.
- Once scanned, the URL will automatically open in your web browser.
- You can view, copy, and share the URL from there.
This retrieves the URL with minimal effort. The downside is you need a physical copy of the code to scan.
Use an online QR code reader
If you only have a digital image of the QR code, you can use an online QR code reader:
- Go to a website like https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/ or https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/
- Upload or enter the URL of the QR code image.
- The site will scan the code and display the decoded URL.
- Copy this URL for your use.
This method lets you retrieve URLs from QR code images on your computer without a smartphone.
Use the QR code generator website
If you generated the QR code through a website, look for a decode or read feature:
- Go back to the QR code generator site.
- Find the option to read or decode already created codes.
- Enter the QR code image URL or upload it.
- The site will scan and extract the URL for you to copy.
Many generator sites have this capability since they have access to the encoded data.
Use a QR code reader app
Dedicated QR reader apps provide robust tools for scanning and analyzing codes:
- Install a QR code reader app like Kaspersky QR Scanner.
- Import or take a picture of the QR code.
- The app will scan the code and display the full decoded contents.
- Copy just the decoded URL from this view.
Reader apps can scan QR codes from image imports as well as live smartphone cameras. This provides flexibility for accessing the encoded URL data.
What type of data can QR codes contain?
While QR codes are commonly used for URLs, they can contain different types of encoded data:
Website URLs
One of the most frequent uses for QR codes is to point users to a specific website. When scanned, the URL launches in the device’s web browser.
App downloads
QR codes can encode a link to download a mobile app for iOS or Android devices. Scanning one of these codes will prompt the user to install the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Contact information
QR codes can store contact data like phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, and social media profiles. This allows the data to be quickly added to the scanning device’s contacts.
Email messages
Scanning a QR code can pre-populate a new email message with the recipient address and content. This allows someone to share an email body via a code scan.
Text
Freeform text like notes, messages, explanations, and instructions can be encoded. The text appears instantly when the code is scanned.
Geolocation
QR codes can point to a location in Google or Apple Maps. Scanning launches turn-by-turn directions to the encoded destination.
Wi-Fi access
QR codes can contain Wi-Fi network SSIDs and passwords. Devices will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi after scanning the code instead of needing to enter a password manually.
Calendar events
Event details like titles, times, locations, and descriptions can be encoded. Scanning adds the event right to the user’s calendar.
Payments
QR codes support embedding payment details to allow quick mobile payments and cash transfers.
QR code data capacity can range from a couple dozen characters up to several thousand, so they are versatile enough to adapt to many use cases.
QR code best practices
To create effective QR codes that provide the best user experience, follow these tips:
Keep URLs short
Short URLs take up less QR code data capacity and are easier to convey. Using a URL shortener can compact long website links.
Minimize unnecessary design elements
Don’t clutter the QR code with too much text, colors, logos, or graphics. Keep just the essentials so users can easily scan the code.
Place QR codes strategically
Ensure QR codes are easily scannable by putting them in high visibility locations like packaging, signage, brochures, ads, menus, and more.
Use optimal sizing
QR codes should measure at least 1.5 inches but no more than 4 inches for good scannability. Be sure to size digital images accordingly.
Improve scans with framing
Place QR codes within a clearly defined frame, like a white box, so the code stands out from the background.
Promote your QR codes
Let people know the QR code is scannable and how they benefit from scanning it. Provide explicit “scan here” cues.
Test extensively
Verify that your QR codes scan quickly and reliably under different conditions. Fix any issues before full deployment.
Monitor performance
Use analytics to see how frequently your QR codes get scanned and optimize the experience over time.
Update dynamically
Consider using dynamic QR codes that you can update or rotate without having to redistribute printed codes.
QR code use cases
Here are some of the most common and creative ways QR codes are used across different industries and mediums:
Product packaging and labels
Brands place QR codes on packaging and labels to provide links to product information, support pages, tutorials, and related mobile apps.
Advertising and marketing
QR codes in ads, commercials, magazines, and billboards can instantly send users to tailored landing pages, videos, coupons, and mailing lists.
Business cards
Companies add QR codes to business cards so contacts can easily scan to add contact info, auto-follow social accounts, and access digital portfolios.
Event promotion
Event organizers use QR codes to link to ticket sales, schedules, maps, speaker info, virtual booths, and live streams.
Education
Educators embed QR codes in worksheets, textbooks, flashcards, and infographics to engage students with interactive content.
Real estate
Property listings leverage QR codes to surface 360° virtual tours, fact sheets, price history, local guides, and scheduling tools.
Hospitality
Restaurants, hotels, and transportation providers include QR codes for digital menus, room service, special offers, mobile check-in, and payments.
Retail stores
Shops use QR codes on shelf tags, displays, and receipts to link to product info, reviews, inventory lookups, and self-checkout.
Government
Public offices encode QR codes on facilities, documents, and vehicles to provide digital services and information to citizens.
Non-profits
Charities leverage QR codes on direct mail, posters, collection boxes, and promotional items to funnel donations, volunteer sign-ups, and aid requests.
Art and media
Museums, landmarks, photography, and other works can have QR codes to deliver background, interactive features, augmented reality, and related content.
QR code popularity and adoption
Since first appearing in the 1990s, QR code adoption and awareness have steadily risen, especially in the past decade. Here are some key growth metrics:
- Over 10 million QR codes are scanned globally each day.
- 76% of smartphone users know what a QR code is and how to use it as of 2021.
- 91% of U.S. adults have scanned a QR code from their smartphone.
- 44% of smartphone users made purchases by scanning QR codes in 2020.
- QR code use across industries jumped over 300% during the pandemic.
QR code usage has exploded thanks to:
- Ubiquity of smartphones – Scanning QR codes is now accessible to billions of people worldwide.
- Easy app integration – Most phones have built-in QR readers via the camera app.
- Convenience – QR codes deliver information faster than typing or searches.
- COVID-19 conditions – Touchless interactions via QR codes were highly utilized during the pandemic.
- Creative marketing – Brands incorporate QR codes in interactive and relevant ways that users enjoy.
QR codes have moved from novel to mainstream, becoming one of the top methods that brands, organizations, and individuals use to bridge physical and digital engagements.
QR code security concerns
While extremely versatile, QR codes also come with some security considerations:
- Malicious redirects – Hackers can generate codes pointing users to phishing sites.
- Fake QR codes – Stickers placed over real codes take users to unsafe links.
- Malware distribution – Scanning some codes may try to install viruses on devices.
- Tracking without consent – Some QR systems log user details without transparency.
- Lack of destination masking – Users don’t know where codes point until scanned.
Here are some tips to scan QR codes safely:
- Avoid damaged-looking codes – Stickers may conceal malicious links.
- Check the URL before entering info – Make sure sites look legitimate.
- Use trusted QR readers – Rely on reputable apps like Apple Camera or Google Lens.
- Install antivirus software – This can detect malicious redirects.
- Cover cameras when not scanning – Don’t let apps silently access your camera.
When creating your own QR codes, follow best practices around privacy and security:
- Be transparent about data use – Disclose what info gets collected.
- Mask redirects – Show the destination domain to establish user trust.
- Use secure URLs – Enable HTTPS encryption on sites that codes point to.
- Consider dynamic codes – Rotate QR content to improve security.
Conclusion
Retrieving the URL from a QR code is a straightforward process using a smartphone camera, QR reader website, or code generator site. Users simply scan or import the code image to extract the encoded URL, which typically launches instantly in the browser.
QR codes provide a convenient way to link physical and digital experiences via websites, apps, contacts, and more. Their adoption continues to grow thanks to easy integration on cameras, creative marketing, and utility in COVID conditions. However, brands and users should be mindful of potential security issues like redirects to unsafe sites.
Following best practices around code generation, visibility, sizing, and security can help maximize the effectiveness and safety of QR code experiences. As usage expands across industries, QR codes promise to become an increasingly ubiquitous bridge between offline and online engagements.